Chapter 8: Confrontation - 2
A thread of hope shimmered in the eyes of the three prominent figures standing resolutely before the armed slaves.
"Don't worry, everything's going to be fine. Tora and the others will win for sure," Rika said, her faith in the three individuals unwavering as she reassured the others.
The boss of the armed slaves sneered. "Well, if it isn't the old geezer."
Another slave chimed in with a mocking tone, "How laughable to see you standing against us, and with children no less. Kuhahaha!"
Cornio and his companions remained silent, their expressions steely as they endured the taunts.
The boss, sword slung nonchalantly over his shoulder, offered a proposition. "Hand over that pretty young slave, and I'll let the rest of you go. You'll even have the chance to join us. What do you say, old man?"
Cornio met the offer with a dismissive shrug. "I have no interest in aligning myself with people like you," he replied, his tone dripping with disdain.
The boss's laughter faded into anger. "Very well. If that's how you want it."
He immediately commanded his men to attack, plunging the battlefield into chaos.
Tora, brimming with confidence, found himself struggling against his formidable opponent. Despite his relentless parries and defensive maneuvers, he was pushed into a corner, unable to mount an offense.
Meanwhile, Cornio was locked in a fierce struggle with a muscular adversary. Their strength was evenly matched, with Cornio deftly deflecting and countering each attack. The muscular man, visibly surprised, acknowledged Cornio's skill.
"I never expected someone like you to be so proficient with a sword," the man admitted.
Cornio shrugged off the compliment. "I trained hard when I was younger. And I'm still in my thirties, so spare me the 'old geezer' talk."
As the battle raged on, Visgard deftly avoided his opponent's strikes. Observing his opponent's attacks, he noted a brief pause in their rhythm.
[Sage: A 0.8-second stoppage occurs every three attacks.]
Visgard's observation was confirmed by Sage.
[Sage: It seems he's pausing to catch his breath. It is best that you ensure to exploit the gap, Master.]
When his opponent finally took a breath, Visgard quickly seized the moment. Charging in, he caught the opponent off-guard, causing him to stagger.
"You dare belittle me?" the slave spat, swinging his sword wildly in his anger.
Visgard dodged effortlessly, sending the slave crashing to the ground from the missed attack.
Seizing the opportunity, Visgard quickly disarmed him, delivering a precise jab to the slave's nose that left him dazed.
With the slave momentarily stunned, Visgard raised his sword with both hands, aiming it at the slave's throat.
Just as he prepared to strike, a sudden kick forced him to block with his sword, sending him stumbling backward.
Regaining his footing, Visgard readied himself for the next move.
"Who are you? I didn't know such an exceptional kid existed here," the boss of the armed slaves asked, his curiosity piqued as he intervened in Visgard's fight.
Visgard's expression remained unchanged, his gaze fixed intensely on the boss with resolved intent.
"Not going to answer, kid? Tell me your name," the boss demanded, pointing his sword at Visgard.
The defeated slave, trembling with fear, staggered to his feet, still haunted by Visgard's earlier assault.
"Shouldn't you give your name before asking for mine?" Visgard retorted, his tone tinged with contempt.
He had noticed his comrades struggling and hoped the distraction would buy them some time.
[Sage: Your assessment is correct.]
"Do you really need to say that out loud?" Visgard replied mentally.
As their mental exchange continued, the others paused their fighting, intrigued by the unfolding conversation of the slave boss and the young Visgard.
"Hahaha! How amusing, you're right," the boss laughed, clearly entertained by Visgard's response.
He struck his sword lightly against the ground, his underlings flanking him.
"My name is Dante Optimus. Surely you've heard of me. So, tell me yours," Dante said, clearly interested in Visgard.
Cornio and Tora, panting heavily, glanced at Visgard with gratitude.
They had seen how Visgard's intervention had alleviated their struggles.
"Thanks," Tora whispered, catching his breath.
"Yeah, I'm feeling the toll from my recent fight with Arnold. I'm exhausted after just a brief exchange," Cornio admitted, noting his drained state.
Visgard nodded without batting an eye, his steeled focusing gaze was unwaveringly directed to Dante.
"My name is Visgard. I haven't heard of you, as I've suffered from memory loss," he said.
"Memory loss? Hahaha! How amusing. So, you're Visgard?" Dante chuckled, finding amusement in Visgard's nonchalant demeanor.
As Dante's laughter subsided, he resumed his calm, composed stance, meeting Visgard's unyielding gaze.
"Visgard, would you like to join me as my apprentice?" Dante proposed, extending an enticing offer.
Without hesitation, Visgard declined. "I'm not interested."
"But it would be beneficial for you. I'll personally help you develop!" Dante persisted, his eyes reflecting genuine interest in the young boy.
"I'm not interested," Visgard reiterated, unwavering in his rejection.
Their exchange continued, with Dante pressing his offer and Visgard rejecting it. Meanwhile, Sage completed an analysis of Dante.
[Sage: Analysis Complete.]
[Name: Dante Optimus]
[Age: 29]
[Current State: Nervous and Interested]
[Skill: Lesser Skill - Footman]
[Sage: Lesser Skill - Footman: This skill allows one to command followers with absolute dominance, compelling them to obey.]
[Sage: Accepting the offer might place Master under his complete dominance.]
[Sage: Countermeasures initiated…]
"A skill that grants absolute dominance over those who follow him? Absurd," Visgard thought.
Realizing he couldn't recruit Visgard through persuasion alone, Dante devised a new plan to demonstrate both benevolence and superiority.
"Fine, I'll make you another offer. How about this: you fight me, and if I win, you become my apprentice. I'll also guarantee that no harm comes to the kids or the two with you," Dante proposed, exuding confidence in his combat skills.
"And if I win?" Visgard asked, challenging Dante's assumption of an inevitable victory.
"Then we'll leave you in peace. I'll also tell you what's happening inside Grave Dominion—if you win, that is." Dante said, his grin betraying his confidence.
Visgard smirked, clearly entertained. "Sounds fair enough," he said, his delight evident as his companions exchanged nervous glances.
The two stepped into the center, having smiles on their faces, while onlookers watched in bewilderment.
"How can he smile without any hint of fear in front of the boss?" the muscular guy muttered, completely astonished.
The defeated slave from earlier spoke up. "It seems this kid isn't to be underestimated. He has a keen sense of combat, strategically outmaneuvering opponents despite his small size."
The one who fought Tora nodded in agreement, understanding why their boss was so intrigued by Visgard.
With Dante and Visgard locked in a standoff, each weighed their next move carefully.
"Whoever makes the first move loses," both thought, aware that a single misstep could lead to an unpredictable outcome.
Chapter End.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone